THE news of Liam Treadwell’s death – and the implied manner of it – at the age of 34 has hit the racing world hard this week.

Liam was a man who had lived his lifelong dream of winning the Grand National, and he was an extremely talented jockey, albeit one who didn’t find great self-assurance as a result of his talent, or his success. The many who knew him found his gentle humility endearing, his kindness genuine, and his friendship true.